National Parks and Reserves
|
 Kenya has some 54 National Parks and Reserves, covering, together with private conservancies and sanctuaries, over 10% of the land area. There also are seven marine national parks and reserves.
The responsibility for managing the national parks and the country’s protected wildlife species comes under the jurisdiction of the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS).
Country councils are responsible for the management of national reserves in their administrative area. Other conservancies and sanctuaries are managed privately and often work in close association with KWS.
So what’s the difference between a national park and a national reserve? It all comes down to human use and habitation of the area: While in national parks no human habitation or use of the land is allowed, the reasonable needs of the people living within the area of a national reserve takes preference. It is a compromise between wildlife conservation and fulfillment of human needs. However, this arrangement, for instance, will also allow you to visit the homesteads of the famous Masai people in the Masai Mara.
kenya SAFARI CIRCUITS
When it comes to planning your safari, don’t forget that Kenya is a big country and that distances, travel modes and infrastructure have to be thought about before selecting your Kenya safari destinations. For easy safari planning we therefore have divided the various parks and reserves into safari circuits.
Although the coast circuit focuses more on Marine National Parks and observing marine life, it does include Shimba Hills National Park, situated on the south coast of Mombasa. This park is comparatively little visited and has a quite wonderful game-viewing lodge. It will allow beach dwellers an insight into the fantastic world of safari without having to travel further afield.
Use the navigation links on the left panel or below to read more about the different National Parks and Reserves to help you select your Kenya safari destination of choice!
 SOUTHERN CIRCUIT:
|
Amboseli, Chyulu Hills, Tsavo West, Tsavo East |
WESTERN CIRCUIT:
|
Nairobi, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara |
NORTHERN CIRCUIT:
|
Samburu & Buffalo Springs, Shaba, Meru, Mt. Kenya, Aberdares |
| COAST CIRCUIT: |
Diani, Mombasa, Malindi & Watamu, Marine Parks of Kisite, Mombasa, Watamu & Malindi, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Shimba Hills, Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary |
|
National Parks & Reserves